Hollywood Stars React to Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension After Charlie Kirk Controversy

The entertainment world is speaking out after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! in response to Jimmy Kimmel’s recent remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision, made jointly with ABC’s parent company Nexstar Media Group and reportedly influenced by the FCC, has triggered an intense backlash from celebrities, unions, and industry figures who say the move amounts to an attack on free speech.

Hollywood Rallies Behind Kimmel

Comedian and actor Ben Stiller was among the first to react publicly, tweeting simply: “This isn’t right.” His sentiment was echoed by Rosie O’Donnell, who took to Instagram with a photo of Kimmel and a pointed message:

“This is unacceptable — f**k this fascist administration and corrupt corporate executives — bowing to the orange monster — America is no more 🥲.”

Wanda Sykes, who was scheduled to appear on Kimmel’s show the night it was pulled, shared a video on Instagram addressing the situation.

“Let’s see. He didn’t end the Ukraine war or solve Gaza within his first week. But he did end freedom of speech within his first year,” she said, referencing President Trump. “Hey, for those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it. Love you, Jimmy.”

MSNBC host Chris Hayes weighed in via X (formerly Twitter), calling it “the most straightforward attack on free speech from state actors I’ve ever seen in my life and it’s not even close.”

Actress and activist Sophia Bush added to the chorus of protest, writing:

“The First Amendment doesn’t exist in America anymore. Period. Fascism is here and it’s chilling.”

They were joined by a long list of supporters, including Don Lemon, Henry Winkler, Halsey, Alison Brie, and Christie Brinkley — all decrying what many view as corporate and political overreach.

Writers & Unions Speak Out

The Writers Guild of America, both East and West divisions, issued a joint statement supporting Kimmel and condemning his suspension:

“The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other — to disturb, even — is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people. It is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by the abuse of governmental power, nor by acts of corporate cowardice.”

They continued:

“If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we needn’t have bothered to write it into the Constitution. What we have signed on to — painful as it may be at times — is the freeing agreement to disagree.”

SAG-AFTRA, the performers’ union representing Kimmel and countless others in the industry, also issued a statement condemning the network’s action:

“Our society depends on freedom of expression. Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on.”

The message ended with a warning:

“The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms.”

The Comment That Sparked the Fallout

The controversy began after Kimmel addressed the murder of Charlie Kirk on his show. During his monologue, he commented:

“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

Following this, the FCC and Nexstar reportedly expressed concern over the statement, prompting the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Kimmel has yet to make a public statement, but was spotted leaving a Los Angeles garage shortly after the decision was announced. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to celebrate the suspension.

Outside the show’s studio, protesters gathered, putting up posters calling Trump a fascist and accusing the network of censorship.

As tensions between politics, media, and the entertainment industry continue to escalate, this latest clash has reignited a fierce debate over what free speech truly means — and who gets to define its limits.